---
title: "Scent of a Woman"
year: 1992
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/scent-of-a-woman-1992"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 9475
imdb_id: "tt0105323"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 156
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 3995
content_rating: "R"
---

# Scent of a Woman (1992) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/scent-of-a-woman-1992

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film is a story about a young student who takes a job to earn money. Charlie Simms, the student, is from a poor family and needs the money to travel home for a holiday. He accepts a job caring for a retired U.S. Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, over the Thanksgiving holiday. Lieutenant Colonel Slade lives with his niece and her family.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A poor prep school student takes a holiday job looking after a cantankerous retired army officer."

### Why Watch
- features a compelling character study of a retired army officer
- showcases an unlikely relationship over a holiday weekend

### Caveats & Content Note
- the central character is notably mean, angry, and sarcastic
- deals with heavy and self-pitying themes
- Tone & Suitability: The film carries a drama genre classification and contains mature, cantankerous character dynamics.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: drama, gritty, emotional, intense

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Martin Brest
- **Networks / Studios**: Universal Pictures, City Light Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Al Pacino** as *Lt. Col. Frank Slade*
- **Chris O'Donnell** as *Charlie Simms*
- **James Rebhorn** as *Mr. Trask*
- **Gabrielle Anwar** as *Donna*
- **Philip Seymour Hoffman** as *George Willis, Jr.*
- **Richard Venture** as *W.R. Slade*
- **Bradley Whitford** as *Randy*
- **Ron Eldard** as *Officer Gore*
- **Rochelle Oliver** as *Gretchen*
- **Margaret Eginton** as *Gail*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was the 1992 film Scent of a Woman released in the US?
It was released on 12/23/1992.

### Q: What is the runtime of Scent of a Woman?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes.

### Q: What does Charlie Simms do for money?
Charlie takes a job over Thanksgiving looking after a retired U.S. Army officer to earn money for his flight home to Gresham, Oregon.

### Q: Who is Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade?
He is a retired U.S. Army officer who is a cantankerous, mean, angry, and sarcastic middle-aged man living with his niece and her family.

### Q: Is there an earlier version of Scent of a Woman?
Yes, there is a 1974 Italian film of the same name directed by Dino Risi.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*